Overview

Student debt is no longer just a burden—it’s become a barrier to the American Dream. Minnesota ranks fifth in the nation for student debt, with the average student debt load at $30,894 for state college students.

Your union wants to help relieve your debt burden and make college more affordable and accessible to all. This is particularly important for our public schools. If teaching becomes an unaffordable profession, it will become even more difficult to attract and retain high-quality educators.

College affordability

Minnesota can do better. In 2000, students at Minnesota’s two-year public colleges paid a little more than one-third of college costs in tuition and fees, with the state picking up the rest. Now students pay for nearly three-quarters of the cost.

Existing debt: Offer tax credits for student loan payments, expand state refinance program and require employers to tell people who might qualify for loan forgiveness programs.

Congress also must take action

Increase grant aid to minimize the need for loans.

Decrease the cost of student loans and allow federal student loans to be refinanced when interest rates decline.

Enhance federal loan forgiveness programs for those who choose careers in public service—including teachers—and expand them to include ALL faculty at colleges and universities.

Want to join your union in our Degrees, Not Debt campaign or get more information on loan forgiveness? Contact your local president or Bridget Moore, organizer at Education Minnesota, at bridget.moore@edmn.org or 651-292-4883.